The Year of the Salsa!
Hello Friend. I pray you are well, and your light is shining bright! We enjoy God's goodness and mercy surrounding us in the beauty of the great outdoors and our family.
As previously stated, my dear sweet husband planted 55 various tomato plants this year and has proclaimed 2024 to be the year of the salsa! The picking commenced, and canning started this week, and we have enough tomatoes to supply Red Gold and Heinz!
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Thank God for a helpmeet! My husband and I work together on pretty much everything. I help him, and he helps me. I have called him my sous chef for many years. I love to make big dinners for family and friends to sit around our table and enjoy the bounty God has provided. I am from a large family, and my precious mother also loved to gather everyone around the table, and so my sisters and I love to do this too! I'm blessed to have my very own sous chef who allows me to give him marching orders and responds with a smile, eager to prepare for these occasions. I certainly would not be able to pull it off without him. We always say to each other, "Two is better than one, and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken!" Amen!!!
After a busy week, yesterday we began the process. He picked the tomatoes, and I washed and pulled the stems. Two large pots of water were put on to boil, as well as jars, lids, and rings. The blanching process takes 3 minutes, and the big red beauties are put into cold water before we remove the core and skins. Once they've gone through the processor, seasonings are added and poured into Ball canning jars. (The Ball Family moved to our hometown in 1887. Five brothers built an empire: Ball Hospital, Ball State University, and Ball Canning Jars.)
Then lids and rings were added and placed into a hot water bath for 40 minutes, and shortly after, we heard the sounds of pop, pop, pop! There's something special about growing and canning your food. It's hard work, and sometimes I think about why I am doing this, but I think we will continue this tradition as long as God allows. When I prepare meals made from what we've produced or grown from our small rural farm, it allows me to express the highest form of love to all those who sit around my table. Have I mentioned God has been so good!
Many blessings, dear friends,
Nina xoxo
Read more about the original 5 Ball Brothers here: ball.com — Ball Brothers History Timeline
Tips for Growing Perfect Tomatoes
Want to grow your own tomatoes like Nina's husband? Check out these 12 expert tips for a bumper crop:
12 Tips for Perfect Tomatoes — Midwest Garden Gal
Watch: How to Can Salsa at Home
Ready to try canning your own salsa? This helpful video walks you through the whole process step by step:
Watch: Homemade Salsa Canning Tips
Another great resource for making and canning your own fresh salsa at home:
Salsa Recipes to Try
Looking for the perfect salsa recipe? Here are two favorites to inspire your next canning day:
Faith, Family & the Gifts We Leave Behind
There is something deeply spiritual about preserving — whether it's salsa, family traditions, or God's Word. Just as Nina and her husband work together to can tomatoes for future meals, we at Kinsman & Company are passionate about preserving what matters most — faith, scripture, and the legacy we pass on to those we love.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (KJV) says: "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow." This is the heart of a true helpmeet — and the heart behind everything we create.
Our King James Scripture products are designed for the woman of faith who loves God, her family, and the beauty He surrounds us with daily. Whether you're looking for a meaningful gift or a personal reminder of His goodness, we have something just for you:
- King James Scripture Journals — Record your prayers, blessings, and God's faithfulness
- Scripture Gift Sets — Perfect for birthdays, graduations, and every occasion
- Bible Cases — Protect and carry God's Word with beauty and purpose
- Greeting Cards — Share encouragement with those around your table and beyond
FAQ: About Nina & Kinsman & Company
What inspired Kinsman & Company? A love for God's Word, beautiful things, and a desire to create King James Scripture products that didn't exist anywhere else.
What values drive Kinsman & Company? Faith, family, hard work, and a heart for missions. A portion of every purchase supports Worldwide Missions.
Where is Kinsman & Company based? We are a small, faith-based business rooted in rural Midwest values — growing, creating, and serving with love.
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